Darryl Wilkerson

Darryl Wilkerson is listed by Acorn Capital Management as an Advisor and a career defense and intelligence executive with more than 40 years of operations and leadership experience in the national security domain. Acorn says he joined its advisory board in 2004 and became a full-time member of the management team in 2006.

Before Acorn, Wilkerson worked in aerospace and defense roles at L3 Technologies, Teledyne Brown Engineering, Raytheon, and the United States Air Force. Earlier Acorn materials describe him as VP of Strategy and president of Acorn’s Integrated Defense Group, where he oversaw portfolio companies with capabilities in MRO, aircraft sales, FAA-certified aftermarket products, ISR systems integration, FBO services, and special-mission air operations.

In 2020, Acorn described Wilkerson as Senior Partner. Acorn’s current team page says that before becoming partner, chief operating officer, and a member of the capital management team in 2020, he served as President and CEO of Acorn’s Integrated Defense Group. LinkedIn also lists him as Chairman of the Board at Berry Aviation and an Acorn advisor beginning in January 2025.

Wilkerson’s education includes a PhD in Organizational Leadership from Columbia International University, an MS in Management from Chadron State College, and a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies from The University of Alabama. Acorn also lists him on the Board of Directors of Folds of Honor and as affiliated with AFA, AIA, AUSA, the Global Special Operations Forces Foundation, and NDIA.

• Acorn invests exclusively in aerospace, defense, intelligence, and space businesses.
• The firm states: “Our Target Investment: Range of $30 - $200 Million. Strong Financial Performers. Operated by Highly Driven Leadership Teams.”
• Acorn looks for companies that “can resist down cycles and demonstrate potential to improve margins and increase shareholder value.”
• The firm emphasizes operational involvement after acquisition, working with management teams rather than acting as a passive financial sponsor.
• Wilkerson’s role appears most relevant to defense-sector strategy, operating leadership, and bolt-on acquisitions tied to Acorn’s defense and integrated aviation-services portfolio.